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Celebrity shoe designer Sam Edelman at Tampa's International Plaza Saturday
Here at Deal Divas, there are few things we love more than shoes. Our families, maybe. Also, bread pudding is pretty amazing. But shoes first. Even on your chubbiest day or your worst acne day or your bloatiest day, shoes look great. They can turn an outfit from forgettable to special. They are there for you when even your dog shuns you.
OK, enough dramatics. The point is, this weekend you can meet someone who loves shoes just as much as we do -- celebrity shoe designer Sam Edelman. He has outfitted the feet of famous people including Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Miley Cyrus, Rachel Bilson, Halle Berry and Katy Perry. Saturday, he'll be at Dillards at International Plaza from 2-4 p.m. doling out shoe advice and sharing the secrets to his fabulous designs. A photographer will be on hand to take photos, and you can enter to win a free pair. Just stop by, pick up a pair and talk to the guru himself.
We caught up with Sam Edelman this week for a little chat session:
Why have your shoes struck a nerve?
I think that the world was ready for an affordable approach to something different, something unique and special. I think that's what we do. We're different and special, but we're always on-trend. On-trend is the key to Sam Edelman. We're not a year behind Prada, we're not a year behind Gucci.
How do you keep up?
We shop, we study and we're there. Everybody else is running to Paris, but we might be on the streets of Stockholm. We might be in Antwerp. We might be in Morocco.
Are women afraid to take risks with their shoes?
I think that women are more tempted to take risks with their shoes than anything else. You can lose ten pounds, gain ten pounds, but the one thing you'll always love is your shoes.
What are the biggest trends right now?
Right now, platform pumps with jewels. Love it. Man-tailored with studs. Love it. Jazz oxfords with studs and hardware. Love it. It's a very sexy time out there. Everything is geared toward leggings and skinny jeans and sexy dressing.
Do you like getting into stores and meeting average women who buy your shoes?
I don't like it, I love it. I would rather sit and talk to women than watch football, and women would rather sit and talk to me than fight with their husbands who watch football. I love women. I love fashion. Come in and buy a pair of shoes and talk to me.
Deal Diva Stephanie
Photo: Queenie, a new design from Sam Edelman, $179
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Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Sign up for weekly Deal Diva Alerts by e-mail. by e-mail. And check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Because shopping should be all about the Washingtons!
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THE AUTHORS
Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or shayes@tampabay.com.
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Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her
mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost,
but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan,
she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never
needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her
closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can
be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.
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A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or lstein@tampabay.com.
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Coming from a long line of fashionable women, Kim Wilmath considers herself lucky to fit into their hand-me-downs. Her wardrobe staples include her grandma's vintage blouses and her mom's funky jewelry. When she's in the market for "new" items, Kim hits her favorite thrift stores -- a habit she also picked up from mom. But when circumstances require a visit to the shiny stores in the mall, you'll find Kim at the sale rack like a good little diva. She can be reached at (813) 661-2442 or kwilmath@tampabay.com.
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